About this playlist

Like so many music fads, "ratchet" jumped the shark before we realized it was even in the water. The slang word's origins date back to mid-2000s Dirty South gangsters like Lava House and Lil Boosie ("Do Da Ratchet") and Hurricane Chris (51/50 Ratchet). When L.A. club-rap stars like YG, Joe Moses, DJ Mustard and Tydolla$ign grew out of their fun-loving teen "jerkin'" phase, a new catchword was in order, so they looked to the recent past for inspiration. It's less a unique style than it is a reflection of a cultural moment. A continuum of minimalist rhythmic beats courses through the genre's history, and "ratchet" is just the latest manifestation, with Tyga's smash "Rack City" making it all go pop.